The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) is gearing up for a significant influx of passengers this Holy Week with the launch of “OPLAN Biyaheng Ayos: Semana Santa 2025.” The PPA anticipates a 3.5% increase in the number of travelers, from 1.67 million last year to 1.73 million this year, across various ports nationwide from April 14-20, 2025.
The busiest ports this Lenten season will include the Port Management Offices (PMOs) in Batangas, which are expected to handle around 20,000-25,000 daily passengers during peak days. Following closely are the PMOs in Mindoro, Panay/Guimaras, Negros Oriental/Siquijor, and Bohol, all of which will see significant passenger traffic during the Holy Week.
By mid-March, the total number of passengers across Philippine ports had already reached 3,027,881, averaging 1,009,294 passengers per week. With the Lenten season coinciding with summer vacations, passenger numbers are expected to peak, nearing pre-pandemic levels, with an estimated 1,729,426 travelers utilizing port facilities during this period.
PPA General Manager Jay Santiago is expecting a considerable increase in passenger volume compared to last year, as more Filipinos choose sea travel to visit family, pilgrimage sites, and vacation destinations.
“We are prepared for the influx of passengers this Holy Week, especially as the Lenten season coincides with summer. Many Filipinos are taking advantage of the long days off, and this is also a great time for tourists to explore our islands by sea,” GM Santiago said.
To manage the surge in travelers, the PPA has deployed additional personnel and upgraded terminal operations across key ports. These efforts have been bolstered by the recent visit of Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon to ports in Visayas and Mindanao. Key measures include optimizing passenger terminal facilities, ensuring that security and safety equipment are fully functional, and increasing the presence of port police for crowd control and passenger assistance.
As part of its preparations, the PPA has also conducted maintenance checks on critical infrastructure, including backup power systems, water systems, and ventilation, to ensure uninterrupted service amid the potential effects of El Niño and rising temperatures.
“With the necessary manpower, upgraded facilities, and backup systems in place, we are confident in our readiness for the influx of passengers. However, as this is the peak season, we urge travelers to book their tickets in advance and allow extra time when heading to the ports,” GM Santiago stressed.
To assist passengers, help desks have been set up in major ports across the country, staffed by port police and representatives from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA). These measures aim to provide a seamless travel experience. For real-time updates on port operations and schedules, passengers can visit the PPA’s official website at www.ppa.com.ph, follow its social media pages @PhilippinePortsAuthority, or call the PPA Helpdesk at (0632) 5-301-9453 to 54.
With these preparations, the PPA is committed to ensuring a safe, smooth, and enjoyable travel experience for all passengers this Holy Week.
